After the initial announcement that Porsche was going to release a small mid-engine coupe, we were all excited. In 2005 we finally got the Cayman S. A fast, mid-engine coupe in the Porsche lineup, starting with the S version as a 2006 model year car (the base model came a year later). The 2006 Porsche Cayman S was based on the Boxster series, the two-seat coupe incorporated dramatic new styling, a powerful 295 hp (SAE) engine, and features and options made popular by Porsche's current range of sports cars.
Porsche Cayman 987 (2nd Gen)
The Cayman S was first unveiled in 2005 and went on sale in late 2005 as a 2006 model year car. A year later, the base Cayman showed up as a 2007 model year car. Both the Cayman and second generation Boxster roadster shared their mid-engine platform and many components. The two cars share the same chassis, with the same wheelbase, width and tracks. The Cayman S was powered by a 3.4-litre flat-six mated to a 6-speed manual transaxle, a 2.7-litre engine with a 5-speed transmission was standard for the base model. An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic (Tiptronic) was also available on the S and base models. The Boxster and Boxster S models received a facelift in 2008. Changes included an increase in engine displacement to 2.9-litre for the Boxster, incorporation of Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) for the Boxster S. See all of our Cayman 987 Research.
A year after the Cayman S and the second generation of the Boxster were unveiled, Porsche released the non-S version of its mid-engine sport-coupe vehicle. The “regular” Cayman was still a sports car that could top a 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 6.1 seconds so it couldn't be called a “slow” car. It was slower than its brother S, but it was still a daily-driver sports-car. The Cayman was built to be not only a fast and nimble car but a practical vehicle as well.
Four years after the introduction of the Cayman S, the sportier version of the mid-engine sports coupe Porsche was refreshed. It was even faster and could carry more cornering speed. The facelifted version of the Cayman S offered a completely enhanced package. From the exterior to the interior, from the engine to the gearbox and suspension, it was reworked. The engine was kept at 3.4-liter displacement, but due to its new direct-fuel injection system, the power was increased by 25 hp over its non-facelifted version.
Four years after the introduction of the Cayman S, and three after the regular Cayman, the mid-engine sport-coupe from Porsche received an important update. The facelifted version of the Cayman offered a completely enhanced package. From the exterior to the interior, from the engine to the gearbox and suspension, it was reworked. It might be mistaken with a new model if the Porsche internal coding system wouldn't be the same as on the 2006 Cayman (987C). The engine displacement was increased from 2.7 to 2.9-liter and received direct fuel injection.
In the middle of 2008, Porsche introduced the limited edition Cayman Design Edition 1. The Design Edition 1, also know as the DE1, was a Cayman S packaged with many exclusive cosmetic options intended to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Porsche Design. This car was clearly designed for the Porsche enthusiasts who wanted to own a very special Cayman. Buyers of the DE1 received a special briefcase that contained some pretty cool Porsche Design merchandise, including a Design Edition Chronograph Wrist Watch, Sun Glasses, Ballpoint Pen, Pocket Knife, Key Chain and the key to the DE1.
2nd Generation Porsche Cayman (987) Story & History IMPORTANT NOTE: The 987 was actually the first generation of Cayman. We are referring to it as the second generation on this site because it is the second generation of the Boxster platform. The Cayman and Boxster platforms have been the same...
In late 2008, Porsche introduced the limited edition Cayman S Sport. The Sport was a Cayman S packaged with many sport options to create an edgy/sporty Cayman S. Beyond sport options, the Cayman S Sport received new DME software maps created to work with the Porsche Sport Exhaust and a unique Twin Chamber Dual Output Tailpipe that supply the Cayman S Sport with 303 horsepower at 6,250 RPM, making it the first Cayman to break the 300 horsepower ceiling.
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On November 17th - 2010, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller unveiled the 2012 Cayman R to an excited audience at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Porsche pretty much threw the kitchen sink at this one, applying all they know and have available without actually redesigning the car. Every performance option on the list, and then some that weren't on the list have found their way into the Cayman R. A weight savings of 121 lbs. (55 kg) was achieved and it transformed the Cayman. We are going out on a limb here, but we think the Cayman R may be one of the best Porsche cars ever made.
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The Limited Edition Cayman S Black combines many of the high performance benefits found only in the 2012 Cayman R with many other desirable options off the list, options that when combined create a distinct personality for this special car. After the R hit the scene, many potential buyers complained of the inability to order one with many of the highly desirable street options, particularly PASM. The Cayman S Black Edition gets the 330 BHP engine found in the R but without all of the other performance focus.
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Is the Porsche Cayman the Perfect First Sports Car? Today I’m driving a 987 Porsche Cayman – not an S, not an R, not a GT4 – the base spec car with the 2.7L engine and 5 speed gearbox. Most people would not even consider one of these, but are...
The Smoking Tire Review of the 987 Cayman S The last-generation Porsche Cayman S is quietly becoming a “must buy” on the used sports car list. With a rev-happy, vocal engine, one of the world’s most balanced chassis, and not one but two trunks, these thing are amazing bang for...
Best Entry Level Porsche? The Base 987 Cayman Is the 987 Porsche Cayman 2.7 the best entry level Porsche available at the moment? In the first of my new car review series we look at the history, design and driveability of one of the best value for money modern Porsche’s...
Porsche Cayman Mk 1 Video The original Porsche Cayman was a car that was loved by many, yet driven by so few. We took a look back at it’s life to see what made it so great....
POV Comparison – Cayman GTS 4.0 vs. Original Cayman S The original Porsche Cayman was a car that was loved by many, yet driven by so few. We took a look back at it’s life to see what made it so great....
Porsche Cayman R Classic Review Taken from Series 18, first broadcast in 2010, this classic review from Jason sees him putting the Porsche Cayman R through its paces....
Cayman S vs Cayman R Showdown Could the new Cayman R better the already impressive Cayman S?...
Porsche Cayman R vs. BMW 1 Series M The Porsche Cayman R is the final hurrah for the current generation of Cayman’s, so it should be the best, right? We pit it against our other favorite midsized sports car, the BMW 1 Series M to find out how they stack...
2005 – 2012 Porsche Cayman Maintenance & Service Schedule The Porsche Cayman (987), introduced in 2006, was Porsche’s answer to enthusiasts seeking mid-engine balance, sharp handling, and a more affordable entry into the brand’s sports car lineup. Available in 987.1 (2006–2008) and 987.2 (2009–2012) variants, these cars are now well...
2006-2013 Porsche Cayman Fuses Box Diagram and Amperages List This fuse box information is ONLY for the following Porsche models and years: – 2005 to 2013 Porsche 987c Cayman and Cayman S – years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Fuse Box Location The fuse box...
Toyota GR86 vs Porsche Cayman Toyota sells a lot of GR86 cars. Pitched as a sports car that the young enthusiast can enjoy, it has done very well commercially. Recently, we got an email from a younger reader who asked us which Porsche we would recommend for somebody who doesn’t...
Porsche Club of America put the spotlight on the Porsche 987 as PCA Appraisal and Valuation Chair Nathan Mrez gives us very interesting details and history about the Porsche 987 Boxsters and Caymans. ...
In late 2008, Porsche introduced the limited edition Cayman S Sport. The Sport was a Cayman S packaged with many sport options to create an edgy/sporty Cayman S. Beyond sport options, the Cayman S Sport received new DME software maps created to work with the Porsche Sport Exhaust and a...
In the middle of 2008, Porsche introduced the limited edition Cayman Design Edition 1. The Design Edition 1, also know as the DE1, was a Cayman S packaged with many exclusive cosmetic options intended to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Porsche Design. This car was clearly designed for the Porsche...
The classic 987 Porsche Cayman and the much newer 718 GT4 take on the Nurburgring track....
In the past, we have covered a Type 964 911 Carrera 2 Speedster, a Type 986 Boxster spec race car, and even a 914/6 Restomod. Today, we continue our Porsche Profiles series with a Type 987 Porsche Cayman S that is, for one man, his complete unicorn car. As well,...
In Magnus Walker’s most recent video on YouTube, he explores the 2012 Porsche Cayman R which he thinks is a hidden gem and a potential future classic that offers razor-sharp steering and handling. Introduced at the 2010 LA Auto Show, the Cayman R showcased a lime green color reminiscent of...
30 Point Porsche Cayman Buying & Inspection Checklist In this guide, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive 30-point checklist, covering everything you need to check irrespective which generation Porsche Cayman you are looking to buy. We’ve even created a free, printable PDF version for each generation Cayman that you can...
The letter “R” might seem ordinary, but in the Porsche world, it signifies something much more. It’s a badge of honor reserved for exceptional cars with racing pedigree and stunning performance. In the modern era, only two modern Porsches wear this coveted badge: the Cayman R in 2011 and the...
Common Problems with the Porsche Cayman: What Every Buyer and Owner Should Know The Porsche Cayman has long been celebrated for its mid-engine balance, sharp handling, and thrilling performance. Whether you’re eyeing an early 987 model, a refined 981, or the modern turbocharged 718, the Cayman delivers a premium sports...
Frequent Porsche Cayman Problems & Solutions – A Step by Step Guide to Help Owners Diagnose and Solve Your Most Annoying Cayman Issues The Porsche Cayman delivers an exhilarating driving experience, combining sharp handling, balanced performance, and everyday usability. However, like any performance car, it comes with its share of...